UK Drill Rapper Daniel Boakye Escapes Police Custody During Hospital Visit
Police have launched an urgent and extensive manhunt for a British drill rapper described as "extremely dangerous" after he managed to escape from custody during a scheduled hospital visit. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, February 11, has raised serious questions about security protocols within the prison service.
Details of the Escape
Daniel Boakye, aged 21, was being escorted from HMP Feltham to West Middlesex Hospital when he slipped his handcuffs and fled. The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were alerted shortly after 3:30 AM that a prisoner had escaped while under the supervision of prison staff at a west London medical facility.
Boakye, who performs under the rap name Dsavv and has released tracks including No Kiddin and Pocket Rocket, was serving a six-year sentence imposed in 2023 for conspiracy to commit robbery and a separate robbery offence. Authorities believe he has significant links to north London gangs, particularly the OFB (Original Farm Boys) based on the Broadwater Farm estate in Tottenham.
Security Failure and Gang Links
A prison source, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the escape as a serious security failure and a massive embarrassment to the prison service. "This is a huge cock-up," the source stated. "Although he is only in for robbery, Boakye is extremely dangerous and has links to serious gang members. He would have been double-cuffed, ie cuffed to a guard, at all times and the fear is that an officer has made a mistake and un-cuffed him for some reason."
The source added that staff at HMP Feltham were shocked by the incident, with all personnel notified via email at 8 AM. Police were immediately informed, triggering a massive hunt due to Boakye's perceived threat level.
Criminal Background and Investigation
Between June 2021 and January 2022, Boakye and three other teenagers carried out a series of armed robberies and attempted robberies across London. The group, armed with knives, forced victims to hand over mobile phones and provide passcodes, subsequently transferring cryptocurrency into so-called "hot wallets." More than £115,000 was stolen in these operations.
The criminals also exploited victims' stored bank details to purchase top-up cards, pay for taxi journeys, and execute other fraudulent transactions. Detectives eventually traced the group after identifying home addresses linked to takeaway orders paid for with stolen bank information.
Official Statements and Public Warning
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "Shortly after 03:30hrs on Tuesday, 10 February, the Met was informed by the Prison Service that a prisoner had escaped custody while under the care of prison staff at a west London hospital. The prisoner is a 21-year-old man. While the investigation proceeds at pace, we will not be able to provide further details. Officers are carrying out urgent enquiries in an effort to locate him and return him to custody."
A Prison Service spokesperson added: "We are urgently working with the Metropolitan Police to recapture this prisoner and investigating how he was able to escape from hospital."
Officers have issued a stern warning to the public, urging individuals not to approach Boakye if seen and to contact police immediately with any information regarding his whereabouts. The escape underscores ongoing challenges in managing high-risk inmates during external medical appointments.
